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The
Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on May 22, 2002,
in the Auditorium of the Maple Point Middle School.
The following persons were in attendance:
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BOARD MEMBERS:
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ADMINISTRATORS:
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Mr.
Steven Schoenstadt, President
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Dr.
Gary Bowman
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Mrs.
Yvonne Butville
Mr. Harry Dengler, Jr. |
Dr.
Raymond Boccuti**
Mr. Harry Jones |
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Ms.
Carol Drioli
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Mr.
Joseph Paradise
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Mr.
Richard Eccles
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Mr.
P. Howard Wilson
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Mrs.
Kimberly Jowett*
George Mecleary, Jr., Esq. |
Mr.
Bruce Wyatt
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Dr.
William Spitz
BOARD MEMBER NOT PRESENT:
Mrs. June Bostwick
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SOLICITOR:
Kristina S. Wiercinski, Esq.
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SECRETARY: Mrs.
Anita Walls
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STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES:
Miss Beth Foster
Miss Sabrina Ziemer
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* Arrived at 8:15 p.m.
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OTHERS: Approximately
35 persons from the
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**
Arrived at 9:10 p.m.
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public,
staff and press
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Call to Order –
Mr. Schoenstadt called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance-
Mr. Schoenstadt requested those in attendance join in the salute to
the flag.
Announcements – No Announcements.
Student Representative Report
– Miss Foster and Miss Ziemer, student
representatives, reported the following:
·
Yearbooks are being issued at an autograph party on Friday,
May 24, 2002, 7:00-l0:00p.m.
The
cost of the yearbook is $70 and it will be the first all color issue.
·
Spring sports are doing extremely
well. Girl’s soccer,
softball and baseball are advancing to the playoffs.
Track team is going to states.
·
Senior Prom is Saturday, May 25th,
at the Princeton Hyatt.
·
Picnic is in the final planning stages
and will be held on June 7th at the High School.
·
Commencement is June 12th
at the Harry Franks Stadium.
·
Leadership Breakfast was held on May
22nd for the Senior, Junior and sophomore class officers,
National Honor Society officers, and other various school leaders.
The Student Council sponsored it.
Dr. Bowman was in attendance.
·
New Student Council Officers:
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President – Meghana Nene
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Vice-President – Samantha Magathan
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Secretary – Kelly Vuong
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Treasurer – Jennifer Bosco
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Historian – Ashley McNulty
·
Graduation projects went quite well for both students and
teachers.
·
Meetings were held with the Senior
class regarding graduation. A motivational speaker presented a program.
·
The District Art Show was held at the
High School on May 20th to May 22nd.
·
History Club trip to Boston was
thoroughly enjoyed by the students and chaperones.
Miss Foster
thanked all the Board members since this would be the last meeting the
student representatives would be attending.
Board Recognition- Future Problem Solving Program State
Champions
Dr.
Bowman read a letter dated April 29th from the Pennsylvania
Future Problem Solving Program:
“Congratulations to Kevin Knowles and
Marian Reed and the Neshaminy
High School Team of Problem Solvers.
You should be very proud of the
work this team did this past weekend at the
Pennsylvania State Future
Problem Solving Bowl.
The fact that they pulled off this win with two
substitutes speak highly for the quality of
students you are producing.
What a fantastic group of students.
I really enjoyed getting to know them
and watching them as they tackled this
year’s problem, which focused on
Environmental Law problems that we may face
in the future. Being a
State finalist in anything is an
accomplishment. I hope that
you will be able
to find time to recognize these outstanding
students and their coaches for
their efforts.”
Dr. Bowman announced that they as
champions would be moving on to international competition in Connecticut. Dr. Bowman announced that Mr. Kevin Knowles has been involved
in the district for sixteen years with this program, and Mr. John Rock got
Mr. Knowles involved in the program.
Mr. Knowles has been taking teams to the states for fifteen years,
and he has previously taken seven teams to the Internationals. The
International competition will recognize the top five teams and a
Neshaminy team has tied for fifth. Teams
usually finish in the top ten. The
majority of time spent on preparation is during the student’s personal
and non-school time. Dr.
Bowman congratulated Mr. Knowles and Ms. Marian Reed for being part of
this wonderful program. The program is another indication of the academic
quality that is available within the school district if our students want
to take advantage of it.
Mr. Schoenstadt presented certificates
to the following:
Mr. Kevin Knowles
Ms. Marian Reed
Gwynne Kevin
Arian Reiner
Alician Melandra
Rich Petrillo
Ali Linsk
- Will be joining the team for the International competition
Liz Brown - Will be joining the team for the
International competition
Representative Matthew Wright stated
that he was very honored to be at Neshaminy this evening, and the group of
students to be distinguished is an excellent group.
Representative Wright further stated that it is very rare in the
nation that schools consistently go to state championships and
internationals. Representative
Wright noted that his daughter was a member of the Future Problem Solving
team and she had gone to internationals, and he attested to all the hard
work and all the time spent. The
environmental issue of brown fields which are old industrial type-sites is
a major problem in America, especially in Pennsylvania, where old mills,
mining towns, factories, etc., and it is a pressing problem that we
encounter today and new solutions are always welcome.
Representative Wright wished the best of luck to Mr. Knowles and
Ms. Reed and all the students who would travel to internationals.
Also, Representative Wright thanked Mr. Knowles and Ms. Reed for
the stewardship and leadership, and their long upstanding tradition of
winners.
Representative Wright presented the
Board with a Citation and also a Citation from Senator Tommy Tomlinson. These are officially approved Citations by the Pennsylvania
Senate and House and approved by all legislators from all four corners of
the State.
Public Comment – There
was a two-minute time limit per speaker.
Mr. Schneider, Langhorne Borough, stated that the Board would be
looking at the Home Education Policy that would allow home schoolers to
become involved in extra curricular activities.
Mr. Schneider thanked the members of the Board Policies committee
for their work. Mr.
Schneider was hopeful that a favorable vote would occur.
Mr. Schneider also thanked the Board for their work on the budget
and advised that the Board has a lot of weight on their shoulders at a
time when the economy is dealing with stagnant and declining incomes.
The efforts of the Board to keep the taxes under control are
greatly appreciated.
Ms. Mary
Schaubhut, Langhorne, Reading Specialist at Maple Point Middle School and
parent of three students who have attended Neshaminy Schools, was in
attendance to represent the seventh and eighth grade Language Arts
teachers, Department Chairmen, and Reading Specialists who are very
concerned about the cutting of the seventh and eighth grade language arts
program from the budget this year. Meetings
have taken place during the year and a new program has been selected.
This new program would meet the needs of the students, and fit the
standards that were not being covered for the PSSA test.
The program currently in place is thirteen years old and the books
are falling apart. Seventy
new books are needed, but the publisher has not published these books for
at least four years. Two
years ago we bought replacement books from a used book company.
There is a possibility that there may not be enough books for all
the students next year. The
program selected would be for 1500 students at an approximate cost of $50
per child. With shipping,
this equates to approximately $81,000.
This would include a text book for each child, free teacher
materials for the life of the program, two free hard backs that support
the program, a work book for each child, a planning CD Rom for each
teacher, and a test generator that does plans for the needs of individual
students. Mrs. Schaubhut
stated that the company has agreed to write a purchase order this year,
and pay for the materials in 2003 with no interest charge.
The current price would be paid and the books would be received
free for the year. The
same price would be paid next year instead of 5%-l0% more.
Mrs. Schaubhut encouraged the Board to reconsider this program
since it is desperately needed.
Mr. Myrl
Brut, Langhorne, apologized that he has been out of the area and has not
had an opportunity to review the budget, and has some questions and
concerns about the budget.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that the budget is still being processed.
The Board will look at the preliminary budget, which is different
than the one previously announced, but it does not represent the final
budget.
However, at
this time the Board and Administration are still actively seeking ways to
reduce the burden on the taxpayer.
Mr. Brut
advised that he signed the Registration for Public Comment three (3) times
and the Board may hear him for six (6) minutes or three (3) two (2) minute
segments. Mr. Brut questioned
whether the cost of Home Bound Instruction has increased, decreased, or
stayed the same from last year?
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that after the Board passes the preliminary budget, a
copy of it will be available for the public, and the final budget will be
voted on June 11th.
Mr. Schoenstadt advised that everything increased, that is a given.
Mr. Paradise also noted that there are summary budget documents
that are available at the table.
Mr. Brut
advised that he sat in on earlier meetings when Tawanka School was closed
and it was going to be set up “for kids who need a little bit more
help”. Mr. Brut questioned,
would it not be possible that the home bound would be reduced?
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that the answers to the questions asked were all
available in the documents that are publicly available on the Internet,
publicly available on the table, and information obtained by attending
previous meetings. Mr. Schoenstadt advised that at the public
sessions the Board does not engage in answering questions during public
comment. The Board will
listen to your comments and questions and they will be addressed either
during the Board comment period at the end of the meeting or the
information will be obtained for you.
Mr. Brut
questioned the monies allocated for summer days for employees of Neshaminy
School District and whether it was increased, decreased, or stayed the
same.
Mr. Brut
commented regarding a Courier Times article that talked about Neshaminy
having an overabundance of administrators.
Mr. Brut questioned Mr. Wilson’s position.
Since Mr. Wilson is moving into the Superintendent’s position,
was it replaced or not replaced, and how was that reconfigured.
Mr. Ted
Steffes, Langhorne, requested that the Board introduce themselves.
Mr. Steffes stated that the decrease in enrollment in this
community is noted and noted for a good reason.
The majority of the community is now in the lower middle class,
which is not unusual. We are
finding ourselves more and more in the service industry with jobs that pay
less. Years ago we had one
wage earner. Now there are
two wage earners just to maintain costs.
The first budget meeting had two young families from Levittown
pleading to reduce costs dramatically.
These families are hurting. The
economics in the last ten years have taken a dramatic switch in this area. We are no longer living in a smoke stack community; we are
living in a community that can no longer afford the costs that are being
passed on. Mr. Steffes stated that no company of any substance wants to
come into a community where you have run away taxes that are uncontrolled.
In the past the Board relied upon Administrators to give them
guidance so that they could make good decisions.
Unfortunately, a lot of the residents are leaving the area because
the jobs are no longer good, the jobs are in other areas, and companies
will not locate here since the cost is too high.
Mr. Steffes would like the Board to consider bringing in an outside
firm on this preliminary budget, and let them review it and give advice.
The Board owes this to the community.
The community can no longer afford the costs that have been passed
on during the past ten years. Lastly,
Mr. Steffes noted that we have to consider the students.
The students need more of what we can give them, not all the extras
that they really don’t need.
Approval of Minutes –
Upon motion of Mr. Dengler and seconded by Mrs. Jowett, the Board approved
the minutes of the April 23, 2002 and May 7, 2002 Public Meetings with
eight ayes.
Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills for Payment,
Investments, and Exonerations of Personal and Per Capita Tax
– Mr. Paradise presented the following for
approval:
·
April 30, 2002 Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit
·
Bills for payment Check Register-
April, 2002
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Two Escrow Funds and Three Investment
Funds
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Personal and per capita tax
exonerations for April 2002 totaling 28 exonerations
Mr. Eccles
moved the April 30, 2002 Treasurer’s Report be approved, subject to
audit, the April 2002 bills for payment, and April, 2002 personal and per
capita tax exonerations be approved.
Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.
Dr. Spitz
questioned a check in the amount of $3,000 to Penndel Lanes for the
bowling team and whether that amount covers the entire year.
Mr. Paradise stated that without having an invoice he could not
comment and he would check on the amount.
Mr. Paradise did, however, note that it is a negotiated price and
it is not the regular retail price.
The Board
approved the Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit, bills for payment,
and exonerations of personal and per capita tax with eight ayes.
Bids –
Mr. Paradise presented the following bids for approval:
Bid No. 03-12 Science Supplies
Bid Amount:
$11,473.66
The bid is
for various supplies for the instruction of science curricula
district-wide for next year. Each
item is awarded to the respective low bidder for each respective item.
As requested by Mr. Eccles at the last Work Session this item is
down from $l2, 567.00
Bid No. 03-13 Classroom & Art Aids
Bid Amount:
$34,135.68
The bid is
for classroom and art supplies for the 2002/03 school year, which include
paints, drawing paper, brushes, markers, yarn, cloth, and other arts and
craft materials for classroom use.
Bid No. 03-16 Trash Removal &
Recycling
Bid
Amount: $162,720.00
(Three Year Bid - $54,240.00 per year)
The bid is
for trash removal and recycling for the District for the school years:
2002/03, 2003/04, and 2004/05.
Bid No. #1FB001-PA Roof Restorations at Hoover and
Schweitzer Elementary Schools
Bid Amount:
$743,828.11
The bid is
for roof repairs at Schweitzer and Hoover Elementary Schools.
This is under the PA Education Joint Purchasing Council and will
come under the “swing loan” which we eventually hope will be rolled
over into the bond issue. The
Hoover job was estimated at $250,000, and the results of the bid are
$227,375.29. The Schweitzer
bid was estimated at $530,000, and that came in at $5l6,452.82.
Mr. Paradise noted that the Food
Service Department Profit and Loss Statement reflects a sizeable profit. The Food Service Department is a self-supporting entity and
this will allow them to reinvest those monies back into the operation and
continue to be no drain on the budget.
Mr.
Mecleary moved the four bids be approved and Ms. Drioli seconded the
motion. The Board approved the four bids with eight ayes.
Certified and Support Personnel Actions
– Dr. Bowman presented the following for
approval:
·
Elections – Certified Staff
·
Resignations and Leaves of Absence –
Certified Staff
·
Elections and Changes of
Classification – Support Staff
·
Resignations and Leaves of Absence –
Support Staff
·
Sabbatical Leaves of Certified Staff
Dr Bowman
advised that the Board received Addendum of Elections of Certified
Personnel (H-1a) recommending the appointment of Mr. John Metz as acting
Assistant Principal at Maple Point Middle School, which replaces Ms. Dawn
Kelly who is the Acting Principal at Everitt Elementary School, and
Addendum of Elections of Support Personnel (H-5a).
Dr. Bowman
advised that H-2 thru H-3 contains an extensive list of 47 individuals
with resignations and leaves of absence of Certified Personnel.
Most of these individuals completed assignments that were long-term
substitutes. Note:
#32, Bunny McGee, Director of Food Services, is retiring effective
September 30, 2002, and she is responsible for providing the wonderful
results provided in the Profit and Loss Statement for the Food Services
Department. Dr. Bowman
thanked Mrs. McGee for her service to Neshaminy School District.
Dr. Bowman
noted on H-6, Day to Day Substitutes, and recommended these substitutes in
the support area and H-7 lists the Resignations and Leaves of Support
Personnel. Dr. Bowman noted
that there are two (2) retirements due to personal reasons and a
termination.
Dr. Bowman
recommended the approval of the personnel report for certified and support
personnel as presented.
Mr. Eccles
moved the personnel actions listed on pages H-1 through H-8 and Addendums
be approved. Mrs. Dengler
seconded the motion.
The Board approved the personnel actions with eight ayes.
Motion: Approval
of Dr. Gary L. Bowman Scholarship Fund and Bank Account
Mr. Dengler
presented the following motion:
WHEREAS, the Neshaminy Community wishes to recognize his many years
of service to
the Neshaminy School District and its Community; and
WHEREAS, contributions have been made by colleagues, friends,
family and community
members.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in accordance with Section 2l6 of
the Public School Code, I move that the Board of
School Directors create the Dr. Gary L. Bowman Scholarship
Fund.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the scholarship fund will be a
perpetual program and a
sum of money will be awarded annually to a graduating
senior to be selected in accordance
with criteria and procedures to be established in an
agreement between Dr. Gary L. Bowman
and the Neshaminy School District.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an account be established at First
Federal Savings and
Loan Association of Bucks County and said account to be
known as the Dr. Gary L. Bowman
Scholarship Fund.
Ms.
Drioli seconded the motion. The
Board approved the motion with eight ayes.
Mrs.
Butville commented that she hoped that Dr. Bowman is available for many
years to award that scholarship to the recipients.
Motion: Approval
of the Carolyn Baldwin Scholarship Bank Account
Mr.
Schoenstadt presented the following motion:
WHEREAS,
a scholarship has been established in the memory of Carolyn Baldwin; and
WHEREAS,
in order to administer the trust, it is necessary to establish a bank
account for this purpose.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, account number 0465049271 at First Federal
Savings and Loan Association of Bucks County is established, and said
account be known as the Carolyn Baldwin Memorial Scholarship Fund.
In a response to Ms. Drioli’s
request, Dr. Bowman explained that this Scholarship Fund has been
established in the memory of Carolyn Baldwin who was a wonderful, highly
respected teacher at the Pearl Buck Elementary School, who passed away
with cancer. Her family wanted to designate a scholarship in her memory
and contributed a sizeable sum of money from her estate to establish the
scholarship. Dr. Bowman
further noted that the staff and students at Pearl Buck and her colleagues
throughout the whole school community are pleased that the memorial
scholarship fund was established in her memory.
Carolyn Baldwin represented the finest quality of professional.
Dr. Spitz
seconded the motion. The
Board approved the motion with eight ayes.
Motion: Approval
of the Bucks County Technical High School 2002-2003 Budget
Mr. Dengler
presented the following motion:
WHEREAS, in order to provide technical high school education for
students, six Lower Bucks
County School District cooperatively established the Bucks County
Technical High School; and
WHEREAS, each participating school district must annually approve
the Technical High School’s
annual budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School
Directors, approves
the 2002-2003 Bucks County Technical High School budget
in the amount of $11,659,834 with the
Neshaminy School District 2002-2003 net fiscal payment
to be $1,539,698.
Mrs.
Butville seconded the motion. The
Board approved the motion with eight ayes.
Motion: Bucks
County Technical School Articles of Agreement
Mrs.
Butville presented the following motion:
WHEREAS, the Bucks County
Technical School Articles of Agreement require the Technical School
Treasurer to be a paid position and chosen under certain conditions; and
WHEREAS,
the Neshaminy Board of School Directors wishes to recommend amendment to
those Articles of Agreement to remove this specific requirement for a
Treasurer.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors
recommend a change in the Articles of Agreement to allow the Technical
School Business Administrator to perform the duties of the Treasurer at no
additional salary.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors
encourage the other sending school districts to take similar action
concerning the Treasurer.
Mr.
Mecleary seconded the motion. The
Board approved the motion with eight ayes.
Motion: Appointment
of a Treasurer
Mr. Eccles presented the following
motion:
WHEREAS,
each year during the month of May the Board must elect a Treasurer to
serve for one year beginning the following July l.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Joseph V. Paradise, Business
Administrator, be appointed Treasurer of the Neshaminy Board of School
Directors, beginning July l, 2002, with no additional compensation.
Dr. Spitz
seconded the motion. The
Board approved the motion with eight ayes.
Motion: Adoption
of School Board Policy - #708 Advertising
Mrs. Butville presented the
following motion:
WHEREAS,
commercialism in schools is increasing in many forms and complexity; and
WHEREAS,
the Board recognizes that for profit advertising has always been part of
schools to a limited extent; and
WHEREAS,
the Board must protect students from exploitation, and to stay clear of
distractions that could impede the educational mission of the District;
and
WHEREAS,
the Board also recognizes that commercial advertising in schools can
provide additional revenues or other benefits which the taxpayer might
otherwise be asked to fund; and
WHEREAS,
in order to keep District Board Policies updated, current, new, and
revised policies are recommended by the Administration to the Board Policy
Committee for review; and
WHEREAS,
after review by the Board Policy Committee, the District is ready to
recommend a new Board Policy #708
– Advertising.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Policy
#708-Advertising be approved by the Board of School Directors.
Mrs. Jowett
seconded the motion.
Mr. Eccles
apologized to the Board for not having the time to review it prior to this
evening; however, some of the items do not make sense.
Mr. Eccles stated that not that the policy is done without the best
intentions of the district, however, some of the wording is going to limit
the district in its capability of obtaining funds.
Mr. Eccles does not believe that we are looking for signs in the
hallway, but if we are, for an advertiser to advertise and only allow them
ten (l0%) percent space is going to net the district zero income. As long
as it is done in good faith, and it will not harm our students or the
community, such as tobacco or alcohol, you cannot set a limit such as 10%
corporate name and expect to draw funds. Basically, looking at number 2,
Mr. Eccles stated he is also concerned about any advertising the district
would have outside on the grounds. Mr.
Eccles believed that it should be directed that it go towards a certain
group, which would be the district and not other groups.
Expansion could be made on alumni that the district has, and there
is a great wealth out there that are more than capable and willing to
donate to the school, such as is done at colleges and universities.
Mr. Eccles feels that it is not in the best interest of the Board
to proceed with this until it goes back to committee for more discussion.
Mr. Eccles
noted that he absolutely feels that the policy needs to move forward;
however, the wording needs to be revised, and further discussions need to
take place since the policy as currently written limits the district’s
potential for income.
Ms. Drioli
suggested Mr. Eccles make a motion to continue to look at the policy and
make adjustments that are adequate for the district’s needs. Mr.
Schoenstadt stated that the Board could pass the motion in order that a
policy would be in effect, and then return it to committee for
reexamination of some of the points that Mr. Eccles pointed out.
Mrs.
Butville advised that at this point things are occurring without a policy,
and a policy needs to be in place, especially due to our live presentation
of the graduation. Mrs.
Butville recommended that it be passed this evening and any other
revisions can be recommended that the policy go back to be reviewed by the
Policy Board. Mrs. Butville
further advised that the ten (l0%) percent is specifically referring to
the school newsletters and papers distributed to parents.
Specifically, if a sponsor wanted to donate the paper or the
expense of same, that they could have their logo at the bottom of the
paper to recognize that they made a contribution to the school.
The Board
approved the motion with seven ayes and one nay, Mr. Eccles.
Motion: Adoption
of School Board Policy #725 – Fixed Assets
Mrs. Butville presented the
following motion:
WHEREAS, on June 30, l999, the Government Accounting Standards
Board (GASB) released a
statement Number 34, Basic Financial Statement’s and Management’s
Discussion and Analysis –
For State and Governments; and
WHEREAS, in order to comply with GASB Statement Number 34 capital
asset financial reporting
requirements, Administration has recommended a Fixed
Assets Policy to the Board Policy
Committee for review; and
WHEREAS, after review by the Board Policy Committee, the District
is ready to recommend a new
Board Policy
#725 – Fixed Assets.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Policy
#725 – Fixed Assets be approved by the
Board of School Directors.
Mr.
Eccles seconded the motion.
Dr. Spitz
inquired whether this would take the form of a list of all the
district’s fixed assets, and will that list include figures that would
be updated on a periodic basis. Further, Dr. Spitz inquired what is the
benefit of this policy other then the district is required to do it.
Mr. Paradise advised that it is required and the district already
has many of these things in place at the present time.
Fixed asset records are maintained for insurance purposes; however,
GASB is requiring that before the end of June the district must in effect
codify our policy, take our existing policy and put some specifics into
same and place it in writing. The
district will continue to document these things and keep fixed asset
records for insurance companies. Now
we will have a written policy that will dictate how it is done.
Dr. Spitz inquired whether there
will be a list that could be examined, and Mr. Paradise advised that it
would be available.
The Board approved the motion with
eight ayes.
Motion:
Adoption of Revised School Board Policy #512 – High School
Diploma
Mrs. Butville presented the
following motion:
WHEREAS, in order to keep District Board Policies updated, current,
new, and revised, policies
are recommended by the Administration to the Board
Policy Committee for review; and
WHEREAS, after review by the Board Policy Committee, the District
is ready to recommend a
revised Board Policy #512 – High School Diploma.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Policy #512 – High School
Diploma be approved by
the Board of School Directors.
Mr.
Dengler seconded the motion. The
Board approved the motion with eight ayes.
Motion:
Adoption of Revised Policy #533 – Home Education
Mrs.
Butville presented the following motion:
WHEREAS, the Neshaminy School District permits alternative
approaches to education consistent
with the needs of the community and the interests of
individual parents and their children; and
WHEREAS, the Neshaminy School District believes that children
benefit from participation in PIAA
sports and Co-curricular activities; and
WHEREAS, the Neshaminy Board of School Directors supports the
opportunity for Home
Education student participation in certain PIAA sports
and Co-curricular activities; and
WHEREAS, in order to keep District Board Policies updated, current,
new, and revised policies are
recommended by the Administration to the Board Policy
Committee for review; and
WHEREAS, after review by the Board Policy Committee, the District
is ready to recommend a
revised Board
Policy #533 – Home Education Program (with addendum – subject to
change)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Policy
#533 – Home Education be approved by the
Board of School Directors.
Mr.
Mecleary seconded the motion.
Mr. Eccles noted that he has grave
concerns regarding future litigation against the district.
Mr. Eccles believes that the district is opening itself up for just
a small few home schooled students, but the way it is written it is
conceivable that our private and parochial schools could then ask to be
involved with the district’s sporting programs.
Has it happened – no. Is
there a possibility that it would – yes.
Therefore, I cannot support this for that reason.
Mr. Eccles stated that he would be concerned regarding the double
standards that may occur.
Mrs. Butville noted that on page
three of the policy it states: “A
pupil residing in Neshaminy School District and enrolled in a private,
charter or cyber school is not eligible to participate in any Neshaminy
School District sponsored after school co-curricular activities.”
Mrs. Butville advised that one of the legislative bodies was
considering making another mandate for school districts that home schooled
students be able to participate in the public school system.
Forty percent of the 50l school districts in Pennsylvania already
allow home schooled students to participate.
Ms. Drioli stated that the
committee looked into the possibility of litigation and it is possible.
Even though Ms. Drioli is not a proponent of home-schooled students
she is a proponent of children and she believes that anything that will
benefit children is noteworthy. Ms.
Drioli hopes that in the future the program would be expanded to classroom
situations wherein the students can benefit.
The parents, in many cases, have made the choice for these
students.
Mr. Eccles stated that the
Solicitor has stated that the probability does exist where there is at
least an existence of possible litigation in reference to this.
The percentage of schools that allow home schooled students to
participate have a very small student population, and Mr. Eccles felt the
district would be setting a double standard for its students that they
must be here during the day to participate in after school activities.
Mrs. Butville advised that the
policy contains ways of being sure that students who are home schooled are
under the same types of requirements as those that attend our schools.
There is accountability, and it is a very small amount of students
that will be affected by this. If a child is participating in an after
school sport they might eventually join into our school system.
Mr. Eccles stated that a comment
was made in reference to the state mandating home schooled students
participation, and again Mr. Eccles asked the board to be cautious, and if
mandated, the district would have the protection from the state.
Dr. Bowman stated that he is
basically in support of home-schooled students participating, however, the
issue of double standards is of concern.
Dr. Bowman advised that it is terribly unfair to require a high
school student to start his day at 5:30 a.m., come to school, and then
participate in the athletic event that is governed by PIAA rules.
An inequity may occur since the district must abide by PIAA rules;
the district must set standards, and apply those standards to all
students. Dr. Bowman expressed a real concern regarding creating double
standards. Dr. Bowman advised
that he too was an advocate for all students, but also an advocate of some
degree of fairness. Dr.
Bowman advised that if the state board of education passes a law or
regulation it will supersede PIAA regulations, and the district needs to
be aware of the legislation in order that it takes corrective actions so
that all the laws and guidelines are met.
Mr. Wilson seconded the comments of
Dr. Bowman and advised that the policy is setting up a double standard.
Mr. Wilson agreed with Mr. Eccles with regards to the percentage of
school districts allowing home schooled students are many small, rural
districts wherein PIAA athletic competition is not as competitive as it is
in a suburban area. Mr.
Wilson asked the Board to consider waiting until Harrisburg makes a
statement or passes a law, and in turn, the district would not need to
worry about double standards.
Ms. Drioli commented that the Board
has considered the home schooling issue for two years and this is the
first time such comments are being made. Mrs. Butville advised that Dr.
Bowman previously expressed these concerns.
Dr. Bowman advised that it is a
PIAA regulation that a student must be in school at least a full half-day
in order to participate. Dr.
Bowman stated that there are students in the community that could
participate in activities that are not PIAA activities that would not fall
under that double standard issue. But,
it so happens that the district has PIAA and the district must abide by
it. The Board needs to be knowledgeable as to PIAA issues and
what governs our programs.
Mr. Schoenstadt commented that he
did not mind the district taking the lead in almost every area academic
and in sports; however, when the lead is taken in an issue that could have
long-term legal ramifications it is a concern.
The fact is that the state legislature has the responsibility, and
when they resolve the issue and take the legal burden away from the
district Mr. Schoenstadt stated that he would have no problem supporting
the policy. However, there is too much of an opportunity to place too
many of our students at a disadvantage.
Mr. Schoenstadt requested a roll
call vote on the motion. The
roll call tally indicated the Board rejected the motion with four ayes,
Mrs. Butville, Ms. Drioli, Mr. Mecleary, and Dr. Spitz, and four nays, Mr.
Schoenstadt, Mr. Dengler, Mr. Eccles and Mrs. Jowett.
Mr. Schoenstadt stated that on a
basis of a four to four tie the motion is defeated.
Mr. Schoenstadt stated that it could be considered at some future
time and presented by the committee again.
Motion:
2002-2003 Preliminary Budget
Mr. Schoenstadt presented the
following motion:
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors has received and reviewed a
working draft budget for
the 2002-2003 fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 687 of the Pennsylvania Public
School Code, this document
shall be made available for public inspection 20 days
prior to final adoption.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proposed budget as of May
22, 2002, be made
available to the public for review in preparation of
the final budget, with additional changes, to be
adopted on June 11, 2002.
Mr.
Mecleary seconded the motion.
Dr. Spitz
inquired whether it was the intention to adopt the final budget on June
11, 2002, regardless of whether the state legislature has passed anything.
Dr. Bowman advised that was correct and the state was considering a
one percent increase, which would mean approximately $90,000 to the
district.
Dr. Bowman
advised that the administration is looking at bringing to the Board by
June 4, 2002, a further reduced budget and on June 11, 2002, to pass the
budget. By June 11, 2002 the
district will have the best information available regarding the state.
Dr. Spitz
advised that if it was necessary to schedule a later session in June 2002,
that should be considered. Dr.
Spitz will not support a budget on June 11, 2002, if the district does not
know what the legislature is going to do.
Mr. Paradise
added that the state legislature has required districts to adopt a budget
by June 30th. In
order for the district to maximize the cash flow, maximize the investment
income, the district must adopt a budget relatively early in June, since
tax bills need to be prepared which are dated July 1st.
Any delay in that date costs the district investment income every
day. Mr. Paradise
further advised that if the state should increase our subsidy it would be
rolled into the fund balance and it would available to the Board next year
in terms of dealing with the budget at that time.
Mr.
Schoenstadt commented that he does not see any reason why, if we have not
had a positive response prior to June 11th from the state, that
we could not postpone for a week or so, as long as we knew that we would
be looking forward to more then the one (l%) percent estimated.
Dr. Spitz
made a motion to amend the item to read, “to be adopted in June”.
Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.
The Board approved the motion to amend with eight ayes.
Mr.
Schoenstadt stated that the original motion is now amended to read in the
last paragraph “in June, 2002”. Mrs.
Butville seconded the motion. The
Board approved the motion with eight ayes.
Mr.
Schoenstadt stated that a vote now would be taken to pass the Preliminary
Budget as amended.
Mrs. Butville
stated that she is going to make this public tonight, however, unless
further changes are made, Mrs. Butville will not approve the budget with
this amount of increase.
Mr. Eccles
also agreed that still more work needs to be done and would only vote to
approve the Preliminary Budget.
The Board
approved the Preliminary Budget with eight ayes.
Federal Programs – Dr.
Bowman advised that it has been another successful federal program year
for Dr. Costanzo and the staff that worked with her in obtaining all the
grants that provided a variety of programs and services to the
district’s students.
Other Board Business – Mr.
Eccles complimented the middle schools, Maple Point, Neshaminy Junior,
Poquessing and Sandburg, for an outstanding job at the 9th
grade track championships in Hatboro-Horsham stadium.
Mr. Eccles further advised that the Academic Awards Dinner will be
held on May 23rd for Carl Sandburg Middle School whereat the
top l0% of the students with the highest grade point average would be
honored.
Correspondence –
Mr. Schoenstadt stated a thank you card was received from Joan Clarke who
received a 25-year service award and she expressed her pleasure in being
honored and thanked the Board and school Administration for recognizing
her 25 years.
Public Comment –
Mr. Schneider stated he was very disappointed that the policy regarding
home-schooled students was not passed.
Mr. Schneider commented that the district wants to be a leader,
however, there was no support for his child.
Ms. Judy
Beck, Langhorne Manor, PTO President at Neshaminy Middle with children in
Neshaminy High School and Neshaminy Middle, stated that she never home
schooled; however, if the state recognizes home schooled students going
through a whole program, graduating and going on to college, why can’t
the district recognize these students.
These are students who go through rigorous testing at home, and Ms.
Beck agreed with Dr. Spitz regarding approaching the PIAA on some of their
standards. Ms. Beck would
like to invite the PIAA to attend a PTO board meeting or a public meeting
to go over their rules and regulations.
Board Comment – Dr.
Spitz inquired whether any further information was available regarding the
use of space at Tawanka. Ms.
Drioli stated that Lower Southampton Recreation Board is still interested
in the space and was to get a cost analysis from Mr. Paradise at which
time they will submit a letter.
Mr. Wilson
responded to Dr. Spitz that two other groups have expressed interest, in
addition to the intermediate unit, and the numbers that were given to them
for the lease of space, were the numbers wherein the district would make a
profit. When Mr. Paradise finished his study regarding the break-even
point, the district would be in touch with the two particular groups and
let them know that price.
Mr. Dengler expressed that he had the privilege of attending a
concert at Poquessing Middle School where a new tradition was started; the
Faculty along with the Fulbright Exchange teacher from Hungary gave a
concert. The concert was very
well attended, excellent publicity, and it was an excellent night.
Dr. Bowman
wanted to remind the Board and the community that by the end of this week
the district should be hearing from Washington regarding whether Maple
Point Middle School has been designated as a National Blue Ribbon School.
Mrs.
Butville moved the meeting be adjourned and Ms. Drioli seconded the
motion. The Board approved
the motion with eight ayes. Mr. Schoenstadt adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m.
Respectively submitted,
Anita E.
Walls
Board Secretary |
